Attorney general targets Rolladen over unfinished jobs
July 27, 2011
Rolladen, the trusted Hallandale Beach-based hurricane shutter company whose owner has been accused of fraud, accepted nearly $700,000 in deposits for work that its staff has made no effort to complete, according to a lawsuit filed Monday by Florida’s attorney general in Broward County.
The lawsuit alleges Rolladen and its president, Robert Hoffman, engaged in “unfair, deceptive and unconscionable trade practices,” and seeks relief and restitution for the 157 contracts that remained outstanding as of June 1.
“As Floridians safeguard their homes against hurricanes, they deserve the assurance of knowing that they are doing business with fair and honest companies,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said. “My office will continue to investigate deceptive business practices and protect all of Florida’s consumers.”
The suit stems from an investigation that began in March, when it was revealed some two dozen disgruntled customers filed complaints with state regulators against the 42-year-old business, and came about two weeks after Broward sheriff’s deputies charged Hoffman with running an organized scheme to defraud and unlicensed contracting.
BSO’s inquiry into the dealings uncovered Rolladen, which markets and sells hurricane shutters and impact windows, took more than $9,000 in deposits from two customers whose orders were never completed. Bondi’s office alleges those incidents were endemic of a far-reaching scheme that stretches back at least two years.
At the time of Hoffman’s arrest, attorney Gregory S. Denaro told reporters there was no criminal intent, and that Hoffman was cooperating with regulators.
Article: Miami Herald
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